The U-19 World Cup is a platform that has consistently over the years proven to be a stage where some bright young players have shown their talent to the world and later gone on to become some of the best players in the world. In recent years, it has also given Indian Premier League (IPL) teams an opportunity to scout the best upcoming talents for their teams.
With the IPL mega auction set to take place in two weeks’ time, it will not be a surprise if the ten franchisees are keeping a close eye on the global event. Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has certainly made his mind on which player from the current Indian junior team will fetch the biggest bid at the auction.
Ashwin has picked pacer Rajvardhan Hangargekar to attract a lot of interest and compared his bowling to veteran fast-bowler Ishant Sharma. The off-spinner also claimed his lower-order hitting ability will be a big factor in making him hot property on the biding table.
Talking on his Youtube channel, Ashwin said, “This player will certainly be picked at the IPL auction. Which franchise I cannot predict, but he will surely be purchased. His name is Rajvardhan Hangargekar.
“He is a right-arm medium pacer, who can bowl the inswinger very well. Ishant Sharma is the only one who has the gift among present Indian right-arm pacers. Inswing can usually tuck in batters, which is why I feel he will be in demand.”
“He is also a strong lower middle-order hitter. The power he generates when he hits the ball is incredible. He should attract at least 5-10 bids. Make sure to watch him out,” added the ex-Delhi Capitals player.
In the ongoing U-19 World Cup, Hangrargekar has taken five wickets in four games at an exceptional economy of 3.25. With the bat, he scored a duck against South Africa in the opening game but showed his power-hitting ability in the next game against Ireland with a knock of 39 in just 17 balls.
